Gold Oval Wall Fold

Artist Statement

Sydney-based artist Anya Pesce creates three-dimensional sculptural forms that blur the boundary between painting and sculpture. Working primarily with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), she heat-molds the material by hand in a spontaneous, direct process that transforms industrial plastic into hyper-real, tactile objects. Her practice evolved from abstract painting over 20 years, exploring shaped canvases, monochrome, and the Finish Fetish movement of 1960s America—characterized by pristine surfaces and industrial materials. By working with PMMA, Pesce achieves an inimitable finish while breaking conventions associated with traditional painting materials. Central to her work is surface: the external skin manipulated through texture, color, and light to heighten visual and sensory experience. Tactility is essential—she exploits material qualities to evoke sensation and perception, inviting viewers to engage both visually and physically with her work. Her sculptural forms adapt to their environment, displayed on walls, suspended, or positioned on plinths and floors, allowing the space to determine their impact.